From Pax Christi International:
Sudan is currently facing one of the most severe and under-recognised humanitarian crises in the world. Since April 2023, the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has plunged the country into devastation.
This conflict has led to mass displacement, economic collapse, widespread hunger, and the breakdown of healthcare and education systems.
The situation has been exacerbated by targeted attacks on civilians, ethnic cleansing in Darfur, and the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid. International bodies, including the United Nations and the African Union, have labelled Sudan as the worst humanitarian crisis globally.
In the spirit of faith and solidarity, Pax Christi International is launching the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Sudan on 11 April 2025.
This global initiative invites people of all faiths to stand in unity: On 11 April 2025, we come together to pray, raise awareness, and take meaningful action for peace, justice, and healing in Sudan. Whether you are an individual, a faith leader, or a community organiser, your participation can make a difference.
Inspired both by the legacy of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese woman who overcame enslavement and became a symbol of resilience and faith, and by the suffering, courage, resilience and faith of all women in Sudan today who are supporting their communities and working for peace, we reaffirm our commitment to peace and justice.
Pax Christi International has created a booklet in English and Arabic to support communities and faith leaders in implementing a moment of prayer and reflection, but also ways to include the prayer in already existing spiritual gatherings.
The campaign is symbolised by the dove. The dove is a universal symbol of peace, hope, and unity, inspiring communities to stand together in solidarity for Sudan. As a sign of commitment to peace, individuals and communities can incorporate this symbol in their moment of prayer and reflection (you can find suggestions on how to do it in the booklets posted here on the Pax Christi International website).
Suggestions on how to participate on April 11:
- Host prayer gatherings: Create spaces for communal prayer by organising vigils and moments of reflection. These can take place in places of worship, homes, or public spaces, offering a chance for individuals to come together in solidarity.
- Engage faith leaders: Encourage religious leaders to incorporate prayers for Sudan into their services. Their guidance can help communities channel their faith into a collective call for peace.
- Embrace interfaith unity: Invite people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to join in prayer. An inclusive approach fosters understanding and strengthens the message of unity.
- Enrich the spiritual experience: Use music, readings, and personal testimonies to deepen the emotional and spiritual connection during prayer gatherings. These elements can make the experience more profound and impactful.
- Share the light and/or moment of prayer on social media: Post images of lit candles as a symbol of hope and unity. Use the hashtags to spread the message and encourage global participation: #LightingTheWaySudan
Will you host a service in your community on April 11 to pray for peace in Sudan? Please share your plans with Pax Christi International — use this link and scroll to the form at the bottom of the page.
Please note that additional multimedia resources will be available throughout the whole campaign period.